TCI News
FortisTCI Celebrates Professional Growth & Development with Staff Promotions
#Providenciales, May 16, 2019 – Turks and Caicos – Seventeen staff promotions and two senior transitions at FortisTCI, see employees throughout the company take on new responsibilities as of April 1 and May 1. These promotions also underscore the company’s people management and human resource development strategy, through which FortisTCI focuses on evaluating and rewarding performance and creating fulfilling and challenging career opportunities for its employees.
Within the Operations Division, Alvejes Desir has been promoted to Director of Energy Production. His move into this senior management role is a part of the company’s succession plans. Mr. Desir most recently served as Manager of Plant Control and Electrical Maintenance and in his new role leads the company’s plant operations, fuel procurement, and engineering services. He is also the Chairman of the company’s Hurricane Preparedness Committee.
Alden Smith, the former Director of Grand Turk Operations also transitions into a new role and will lead the development of the company’s Transmission and Distribution Standards. Mr. Smith will be based in Providenciales.
Eight other employees in the Operations Division were also promoted, including former Superintendent of North and Middle Caicos Operations Durell Landy. Mr. Landy is now the Manager of North & Middle Caicos Operations with responsibility for leading the operations, generation, and transmission and distribution systems in North and Middle Caicos. Former Collections and IT Specialist Delma Graham is now the Supervisor of Customer and IT Services. Mrs. Graham now has responsibility for directing Grand Turk customer service operations, including billing, metering, collections, and customer care.
Former Junior Energy Production Engineer TeAndra Thomas is now an Engineer I with responsibility for providing engineering support for energy production activities. Former Transmission and Distribution Engineering Assistant Caltricia Hamilton-Evans is now a Civil Engineer I with responsibility for delivering in-house civil and structural engineering oversight and other support services within the Operations Division.
Former Mechanical Technician I Glenroy Grant is now a Mechanical Technician II and will be responsible for carrying out preventative and corrective repairs to plant mechanical equipment and other company assets. Maxo St.Vill, having served as an Electrical Technician I, is promoted to an Electrical Technician II and is responsible for carrying out preventative and corrective repairs to plant electrical equipment. Tavardo Smith, who previously served as an Electrical Technician II is now an Electrical Technician III with responsibility for higher level maintenance and repairs, as well as installation of generating units and associated equipment in the generating stations. Former Environmental and Safety Specialist Eustace Musgrove, in his new role as Senior EHS Safety Coordinator, has responsibility for the maintenance of the company’s Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) Management System.
Three employees within the Innovation, Technology and Strategic Planning Division have been promoted to new roles. Former Jr. Business Analyst TeAnn Thomas was promoted to Resource Planning and Utility Analytics Officer. In her new role, Miss Thomas will supervise the enterprise-wide implementation of utility analytics and optimization of the analytics and big data technology. She will also play a leading role in the implementation of the company’s Resilient National Energy Transition Strategy (R-NETS), and continue to provide macro-economic analysis to the senior management team.
Garrett Jones previously served as Supervisor of Enterprise Technology Solutions. In his new role as Manager of Enterprise Technology Solutions, Mr. Jones will guide the implementation of enterprise technology (ET), including the enterprise resource planning system (ERP), customer information system (CIS), and the meter data management systems (MDMS). Former Information Technology Services Supervisor Jerry Clerveaux is now Manager of Information and Communications Technology (ICT) Services. Mr. Clerveaux’ s new responsibilities include managing a team of five in achieving planned ICT projects, maintenance of assets such as network hardware, ICT software, telecommunication systems, as well as offering operational and technical support.
Five promotions within the Corporate Services Division see former Senior Accountant Richard Gibbs become the Supervisor of Financial Reporting. Mr. Gibbs is responsible for the preparation of annual financial statements, fiscal monitoring, implementation of budgetary controls, and interdepartmental analyses and assistance. Former Financial Accountant Leonardo Patrick will serve as a Senior Financial Accountant. Mr. Patrick’s new responsibilities include leading accounting research, enhancing internal processes on financial reporting, and assisting in the development and preparation of financial models and reports.
Stephanie Dean, who formerly served as Senior Customer Service Representative, now has responsibility for overseeing new service requests, account applications, and account terminations. As the new Customer Experience Specialist, Ms. Dean will also provide guidance and train staff on customer connection processes and procedures.
Former Corporate Communications Officer Dwyane Krzanowski is now Senior Corporate Communications Officer. In his new role, Mr. Krzanowski will be responsible for leading the company’s web maintenance and graphic design initiatives, including ad production and brand standards. Kayla Lightbourne, who previously served as Junior Corporate Communications Officer is now Corporate Communications Officer and Community Outreach Coordinator. In her new role, Miss Lightbourne will assist with managing the company’s social media platforms, and serve as chief liaison for the company’s corporate social responsibility program, including planning and execution of community and stakeholder activities.
Speaking about the promotions, FortisTCI President & CEO Eddinton Powell said, “The energy landscape has changed drastically over the past ten years, and continues to evolve at lightning speed. In this changing environment, it is essential to have the right talent in the right places in the organization. In an industry that remains mostly dominated by males, we are proud to be a part of the advancement of two female engineers – some of the few in the region.”
Mr. Powell continued, “As we sit on the edge of a new energy landscape in the Turks and Caicos Islands, and as we work to meet the needs of the nation today and into the future, the continued investment in, and focus on our people will be required. I extend well-deserved congratulations on behalf of the FortisTCI family to those who will serve in new roles.
Photo Captions: FortisTCI President & CEO Eddinton Powell (front left) and Senior VP of Corporate Services Ruth Forbes (front right) with staff promoted to new roles in April and May 2019.
Left to right (front): Eddinton Powell, Leonardo Patrick, Kayla Lightbourne, TeAnn Thomas, TeAndra Thomas, Dwyane Krzanowski, Stephanie Dean, and Ruth Forbes. Left to right (back): Garrett Jones, Eustace Musgrove, Tavardo Smith, Jerry Clerveaux, Richard Gibbs, Caltricia Hamilton, Maxo St.Vill, Glenroy Grant, Alvejes Desir. Not pictured: Delma Harvey and Durell Landy.
Release: FortisTCI
by Deandrea Hamilton | Editor
PROVIDENCIALES, TCI — In a country where government press conferences are virtually non-existent, ministers are often difficult for
journalists to access and regular broadcast television news has disappeared, TCI Innovation, Technology and Energy Minister E. Jay Saunders has challenged Caribbean media to become “impossible to ignore.”
Speaking at the Caribbean Broadcasting Union gathering, Saunders argued that the Caribbean does not have a relevance problem but a “discoverability and positioning problem.”
Discoverability is precisely the issue in Saunders’ home country. Even Government’s own attempts at video news broadcasting have struggled against the realities of consistently producing a daily, weekly or even monthly newscast.
The difficulties confronting TCI media extend well beyond algorithms: limited advertising revenue, underfunding, shortages of trained professionals and insufficient human capacity leave newsrooms struggling for both staff and stamina.
Then there is the reality of operating in one of the region’s smallest societies. Politicians, journalists, advertisers, businesses and the subjects of stories often exist within the same tight economic and social circles. A controversial report that might create a ripple elsewhere can produce a tsunami in TCI, intensifying concerns among journalists about commercial and professional victimisation.
Saunders believes AI can help.
He urged Caribbean media to use the technology to transform one original story into television, radio, web, podcast, social and translated content without multiplying newsroom workload.
He also wants regional journalism structured so AI systems can find, understand and trust Caribbean sources, moving media beyond traditional SEO into Answer Engine Optimisation.
His ultimate message was emphatic: “Use AI not to make Caribbean media more artificial — but to make Caribbean voices more visible.”
For Turks and Caicos media, however, becoming visible may require more than technology. It requires an environment in which journalism can survive.
That last sentence is where I think we land the plane. It acknowledges that EJ actually has some us
Bahamas News
Bahama Brass Band Invitation Sparks Heritage Debate Ahead of TCI Constitutional Holiday
Turks and Caicos, August 20, 2026 – The planned participation of the Bahama Brass Band in the Turks and Caicos Islands’ inaugural Constitutional Holiday celebrations on August 30 has sparked public debate over culture, heritage and the historical contributions of Turks and Caicos Islanders abroad.
Organizers defended the invitation, saying the band’s inclusion is intended to highlight the deep historical ties between the two countries
and honor Turks and Caicos men who helped establish and develop the institution in Grand Bahama.
According to the organizers, the Bahama Brass Band began in 1955 in Pine Ridge, Freeport, with Turks and Caicos Islanders, including the late Deacon Reuben Hall Sr. of Middle Caicos and Jenkins Williams and Mervin Hendfield of North Caicos, among those who helped build its foundation. The band eventually grew to more than 50 men.
The organizers also pointed to the participation of Turks and Caicos men in The Bahamas’ Independence celebrations on July 10, 1973, arguing that their contributions became part of Bahamian history while maintaining strong connections to their homeland.
Supporters say bringing the band home represents an opportunity to honor those pioneers, showcase their regional influence and expose younger generations to an important part of Turks and Caicos history.
However, concerns raised publicly described the invitation as potentially disrespectful to local culture and heritage. Organizers acknowledged those concerns, apologizing to anyone who felt overlooked or offended, while maintaining that no disrespect was intended.
The committee said the event should ultimately unite rather than divide, presenting the band’s history as evidence of the reach and resilience of Turks and Caicos heritage.
PHOTO CREDIT: Bahamas Brass Band
News
BermudAir Launches New York Area’s First Nonstop Service to South Caicos, Now Just a 3.5 Hour Flight from Newark
Twice-Weekly Nonstop Flights Begin December 20 with Fares from $347 One Way, Creating Direct Access to Salterra Resort & Spa
– New Route Expands BermudAir’s Winter Turks & Caicos Network –
[New York, NY – August 20, 2026] – BermudAir, the leading premium leisure carrier to Bermuda and the Caribbean, today announced it will introduce nonstop flights to South Caicos from Newark this winter. The route places one of the Caribbean’s most secluded island destinations just 3.5 hours from the New York area for the first time.
The new service starts on December 20, 2026, operating on Sundays and Thursdays, and will be the only nonstop service to the destination
from the New York area. This seasonal service will operate through April 25, 2027. Fares start at $347 one way ($773 roundtrip) and go on sale today.
The new South Caicos route creates gives travelers two distinct luxury resort options, with direct access to Salterra, A Luxury Collection Resort & Spa, recently named the No. 1 resort in Turks and Caicos by Condé Nast Traveler.
Set across 85 beachfront acres with a 3,000-foot private white-sand beach, Salterra brings a full luxury resort experience to an island still defined by its historic salinas, pristine waters, bonefishing flats and uninhabited cays. Upon landing at South Caicos International Airport (XSC), guests are approximately 10 minutes from the resort.
While flights go on sale today, the airline’s BermudAir Holidays vacation-packaging division will offer curated travel to South Caicos from next month, featuring flights, hotels and authentic island experiences, with bundled discounts and value-added perks, making it even easier to explore the destination.
Previously BermudAir announced seven new routes to Providenciales in Turks and Caicos, from Newark (EWR), Boston (BOS), Baltimore-Washington (BWI), Raleigh-Durham (RDU), Fort Lauderdale (FLL), St Petersburg/Tampa (PIE) and Toronto (YYZ) which will all start in December except for Fort Lauderdale which begins October 26.
Expanded Winter Season
- To South Caicos:
- Twice-weekly nonstop from Newark (Sundays and Thursdays) from December 20 through April 25, 2027.
- To Turks and Caicos:
- Weekly nonstop from Newark (Saturdays) and one weekly direct service (Thursdays) from December 19 through April 29, 2027;
- Weekly nonstop service from Boston (Saturdays), from December 19 through May 1, 2027;
- Weekly nonstop service from Baltimore-Washington (Thursdays), from December 24 through April 29, 2027;
- Twice-weekly nonstop service from Raleigh-Durham (Thursdays and Sundays), from December 20 through May 2, 2027;
- Thrice-weekly service from Fort Lauderdale (Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays), from October 26 through May 3, 2027;
- Twice-weekly nonstop service from St Petersburg/Tampa (Mondays and Thursdays), from December 21 through May 3, 2027; and
- Weekly nonstop service from Toronto (Saturdays), from December 19 through May 1, 2027.
“We’re thrilled to continue expanding our Caribbean network as the premium leisure carrier from North America,” said Adam Scott, Founder and CEO of BermudAir. “Now New Yorkers can fly nonstop to two distinct sides of the Turks and Caicos Islands — Providenciales and the secluded island of South Caicos, home to the exquisite Salterra and Sailrock South Caicos resorts.”
The airline consistently earns Net Promoter Scores of 70+, one of the highest ratings in the airline industry. All flights will be operated on comfortable Embraer E190 aircraft, offering passengers the airline’s signature warm service and authentic island hospitality.
“South Caicos has always felt worlds away, and that is part of its magic,” said Michael Tibbetts, Founder and CEO of Salterra. “Beginning this winter, guests can fly nonstop from Newark in 3.5 hours, land at one of the newest international airports in the region and be at Salterra minutes later. This route makes a long weekend escape and an extended stay to one of the Caribbean’s most unspoiled islands remarkably easy, without changing the sense of discovery that makes South Caicos so special.”
For more information or to book flights, visit www.flybermudair.com. Salterra will offer dedicated stay packages timed to BermudAir’s Thursday and Sunday nonstop service. To book a stay at Salterra, A Luxury Collection Resort & Spa, visit www.salterra.com
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